Myclobutanil induces neurotoxicity by activating autophagy and apoptosis in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)

Myclobutanil (MYC), a typical broad-spectrum triazole fungicide, is often detected in surface water. This study aimed to explore the neurotoxicity of MYC and the underlying mechanisms in zebrafish and in PC12 cells. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 0.5 and 1 mg/L of MYC from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and neurobehavior was evaluated. Our data showed that MYC decreased the survival rate, hatching rate and heart rate, but increased the malformation rate and spontaneous movement. MYC caused abnormal neurobehaviors characterized by decreased swimming distance and movement time. MYC impaired cerebral histopathological morphology and inhibited neurogenesis in HuC:egfp transgenic zebrafish. MYC also reduced the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and downregulated neurodevelopment related genes (gfap, syn2a, gap43 and mbp) in zebrafish and PC12 cells. Besides, MYC activated autophagy through enhanced expression of the LC3-II protein and suppressed expression of the p62 protein and autophagosome formation, subsequently triggering apoptosis by upregulating apoptotic genes (p53, bax, bcl-2 and caspase 3) and the cleaved caspase-3 protein in zebrafish and PC12 cells. These processes were restored by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) both in vivo and in vitro, indicating that MYC induces neurotoxicity by activating autophagy and apoptosis. Overall, this study revealed the potential autophagy and apoptosis mechanisms of MYC-induced neurotoxicity and provided novel strategies to counteract its toxicity.

Vitamin A ameliorates valproic acid-induced autism-like symptoms in developing zebrafish larvae by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been reported to induce ASD-like symptoms in human and rodents. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors using zebrafish model and investigated whether vitamin A could prevent VPA-induced neurotoxicity. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 25 and 50 μM VPA from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and the neurotoxicity was assessed. Our results showed that VPA affected the normal development of zebrafish larvae and induced ASD-like behaviors, including reduced locomotor activity, decreased distance near conspecifics, impaired social interaction and repetitive swimming behaviors. Exposure to VPA decreased the GFP signal in transgenic HuC:egfp zebrafish according to the negative effect of VPA on the expression of neurodevelopmental genes. In addition, VPA enhanced oxidative stress by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and inhibiting the activity of superoxide dismutase, then triggered apoptosis by upregulation of apoptotic genes. These adverse outcomes were mitigated by vitamin A, suggesting that vitamin A rescued VPA-induced ASD-like symptoms by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, this study identified vitamin A as a promising strategy for future therapeutic regulator of VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors.

Research on the relationship between common metabolic syndrome and meteorological factors in Wuhu, a subtropical humid city of China

As climate conditions deteriorate, human health faces a broader range of threats. This study aimed to determine the risk of death from metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to meteorological factors. We collected daily data from 2014 to 2020 in Wuhu City, including meteorological factors, environmental pollutants and death data of common MetS (hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes), as well as a total number of 15,272 MetS deaths. To examine the relationship between meteorological factors, air pollutants, and MetS mortality, we used a generalized additive model (GAM) combined with a distributed delay nonlinear model (DLNM) for time series analysis. The relationship between the above factors and death outcomes was preliminarily evaluated using Spearman analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). As per out discovery, diurnal temperature range (DTR) and daily mean temperature (T mean) increased the MetS mortality risk notably. The ultra low DTR raised the MetS mortality risk upon the general people, with the highest RR value of 1.033 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.065) at lag day 14. In addition, T mean was also significantly associated with MetS death. The highest risk of ultra low and ultra high T mean occured on the same day (lag 14), RR values were 1.043 (95% CI: 1.010, 1.077) and 1.032 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.061) respectively. Stratified analysis's result showed lower DTR had a more pronounced effect on women and the elderly, and ultra low and high T mean was a risk factor for MetS mortality in women and men. The elderly need to take extra note of temperature changes, and different levels of T mean will increase the risk of death. In warm seasons, ultra high RH and T mean can increase the mortality rate of MetS patients.

Curcumin protects against fenvalerate-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae through inhibition of oxidative stress

Fenvalerate (FEN), a typical type II pyrethroid pesticide, is widely used in agriculture. FEN has been detected in the environment and human body. However, the neurotoxicity of FEN has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying FEN-induced neurotoxicity using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. We also investigated whether curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol antioxidant that exhibits neuroprotective properties, can prevent FEN-induced neurotoxicity. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 3.5, 7 and 14 μg/L of FEN from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and neurotoxicity was assessed. Our results showed that FEN decreased the survival rate, heart rate, body length and spontaneous movement, and increased malformation rate. FEN caused neurobehavioral alterations, including decreased swimming distance and velocity, movement time and clockwise rotation times. FEN also suppressed neurogenesis in transgenic HuC:egfp zebrafish, reduced cholinesterase activity and downregulated the expression of neurodevelopment related genes (elavl3, gfap, gap43 and mbp). In addition, FEN enhanced oxidative stress via excessive reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme inhibition, then triggered apoptosis by upregulation of apoptotic genes (p53, bcl-2, bax and caspase 3). These adverse outcomes were alleviated by CUR, indicating that CUR mitigated FEN-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress. Overall, this study revealed that CUR ameliorated FEN-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, indicating a promising protection of CUR against environmental pollutant-induced developmental anomalies.

Application of non-invasive prenatal testing to 91,280 spontaneous pregnancies and 3477 pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization

BACKGROUND

Many clinical studies based on spontaneous pregnancies (SPs) have demonstrated the superiority of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and the question of whether this technology is suitable for offspring conceived by assisted reproductive technology has attracted attention. This study aimed to evaluate the application value of NIPT in screening for trisomy (T)21, T18, T13 and sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) in pregnant women who conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF).

RESULTS

In total, there were 804 high-risk cases [0.88% (804/91280), singleton = 795, twin = 9] in the SP group. Among the 558 invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) cases (singleton = 556, twin = 2), 343 (singleton = 342, twin = 1) were true positive, including 213 cases of T21, 28 of T18, 5 of T13 and 97 (singleton = 96, twin = 1) of SCA. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of T21, T18, T13, SCA and T21/T18/T13 combined in singleton pregnancy were 89.12% (213/239), 51.85% (28/54), 21.74% (5/23), 40.00% (96/240), and 77.85% (246/316), respectively, and the PPV of SCA in twin pregnancy was 100.00%. In the IVF group, IPD was performed in 19 (singleton = 16, twin = 3) of the 27 high-risk cases [0.78% (27/3477), singleton = 16, twin = 3], of which 9 (singleton = 8, twin = 1) were true positive, including 5 cases (singleton = 4, twin = 1) of T21 and 4 of SCA. The PPVs of singleton T21, SCA and T21/T18/T13 combined were 66.67% (4/6), 50.00% (4/8) and 57.14% (4/7), respectively, and the PPV of twin T21 was 100.00% (1/1). There were no significant differences in PPV among T21, SCA and T21/T18/T13 combined in singletons between the groups (89.12% vs. 66.67%, p = 0.09; 40.00% vs. 50.00%, p = 0.57; 77.85% vs. 57.14%, p = 0.20). The sensitivity and specificity were higher for singleton and twin pregnancies in the two groups. Based on follow-up results, 1 case of false negative T21 was found in the singleton SP group. Additionally, the mean foetal fraction (FF) of the IVF group was lower than that of the SP group (11.23% vs. 10.51%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NIPT has high sensitivity and specificity in screening chromosomal aneuploidies in both IVF pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy, so it is an ideal screening method for IVF pregnancy.

Clinical application value of expanded carrier screening in the population of childbearing age

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the clinical utility of the implementation of expanded carrier screening (ECS) in Chinese population of childbearing age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on capillary electrophoresis, a first-generation sequencing technology, a prospective screening study of carriers of 15 single-gene diseases was carried out in 327 subjects in Anhui Province, including 84 couples and 159 women of childbearing age, the disease carrier rate, types of screened pathogenic genes, and incidence of both partners carrying the same pathogenic genes were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

In 320 people with normal phenotypes who underwent ECS for 15 genetic diseases and 7 spouses who underwent targeted gene sequencing, 65 carriers of at least one disease were detected, with a total carrier rate of 20.31% (65/320). Among the 65 carriers, 81.54% (53/65) carried one genetic variant, 16.92% (11/65) carried two genetic variants, and 1.54% (1/65) carried three genetic variants. In this study, the three diseases with the highest carrier rates were hereditary deafness (8.13%, 26/320), Wilson's disease (4.06%, 13/320), and phenylketonuria (3.13%, 10/320). One high-risk couple (1.19%, 1/84) was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

It has certain clinical application value to implement ECS in the population of childbearing age in China.

Value of noninvasive prenatal testing in the detection of rare fetal autosomal abnormalities

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the value of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in the screening of rare autosomal abnormalities and provide further support for the clinical application of NIPT.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 81,518 pregnant women who underwent NIPT at the Anhui Maternal and Child Health Hospital between May 2018 and March 2022 were selected. The high-risk samples were analyzed using amniotic fluid karyotype and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), and the pregnancy outcomes were followed up.

RESULTS

NIPT detected 292 cases (0.36%) with rare autosomal abnormalities among the 81,518 cases sampled. Of these, 140 (0.17%) showed rare autosomal trisomies (RATs), and 102 of these patients agreed to undergo invasive testing. Five cases were true positives, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 4.90%. Copy number variants (CNV) were detected in 152 samples of the total cases (0.19%), and 95 of the patients involved agreed to the use of CMA. Twenty-nine of these cases were confirmed to be true positive, with a PPV of 30.53%. Detailed follow-up information was obtained in 81 cases from 97 patients with false-positive results for RATs. Thirty-seven of these cases (45.68%) had adverse perinatal outcomes, with a higher incidence of small for gestational age (SGA), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and preterm birth (PTB).

CONCLUSIONS

NIPT is not recommended for screening for RATs. However, considering that positive results are associated with an increased risk of IUGR and PTB, additional fetal ultrasound examination should be performed to monitor fetal growth. In addition, NIPT has a reference value in screening for CNVs, especially pathogenic CNVs, but a comprehensive analysis of prenatal diagnosis combined with ultrasound and family history is still needed.

[The mediating effect of perceived social support in the relationship between maternal personality traits and pregnancy-related anxiety]

Objective: Exploring the mediating effect of perceived social support between the maternal personality traits and pregnancy-related anxiety. Methods: Singleton pregnant women who underwent antenatal checkups in the obstetrics department of general hospital affiliated to Ningxia Medical University from July to December 2021 were enrolled in this study to investigate perceived social support, pregnancy-related anxiety and conscious personality traits. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the association between the maternal personality traits, perceived social support, and pregnancy-related anxiety, and the mediating effect of perceived social support was analyzed using Bootstrap method. Results: A total of 1 259 subjects were included in the study, of which 170 (13.50%) pregnant women felt introverted. The total score of perceived social support was (46.37±8.38), and 31.45% of pregnant women had high perceived social support. The total score of pregnancy-related anxiety was (21.48±5.53). The score of worry about fetal health was (10.09±3.24), and 368 (29.23%) of pregnant women had pregnancy-related anxiety. Maternal personality traits and pregnancy-related anxiety were negatively correlated (r=-0.076, P<0.05) and positively correlated with perceived social support during pregnancy (r= 0.127, P<0.05). Perceived social support during pregnancy and pregnancy-related anxiety were negatively correlated (r=-0.236, P<0.05). Perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between the maternal personality traits and pregnancy-related anxiety, with a relative effect value of 37.50%. Conclusion: The maternal personality traits, level of perceived social support and pregnancy-related anxiety are all related. Perceived social support could mediate the relationship between the maternal personality traits and pregnancy-related anxiety.

NRXN1 depletion in the medial prefrontal cortex induces anxiety-like behaviors and abnormal social phenotypes along with impaired neurite outgrowth in rat

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of disorders induced by abnormal brain developmental processes. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an essential role in executive function, and its role in NDDs has been reported. NDDs are associated with high-risk gene mutations and share partially overlapping genetic abnormalities.

METHODS

Neurexins (NRXNs) are related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NRXN1, an essential susceptibility gene for NDDs, has been reported to be associated with NDDs. However, little is known about its key role in NDDs.

RESULTS

NRXN1 downregulation in the medial PFC induced anxiety-like behaviors and abnormal social phenotypes with impaired neurite outgrowth in Sh-NRXN1 in prefrontal neurons. Moreover, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis of rat brain samples showed that NRXN1 downregulation led to significant proteome alterations, including pathways related to the extracellular matrix, cell membrane, and morphologic change. Furthermore, full-automatic immunoblotting analysis verified the differently expressed proteins related to cell morphology and membrane structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed the association of NRXN1 with abnormal behaviors in NDDs and provided richer insights into specific prefrontal knockdown in adolescence, potentially expanding the NRXN1 interactome and contributing to human health.

Nano-TiO2 aggravates bioaccumulation and developmental neurotoxicity of difenoconazole in zebrafish larvae via oxidative stress and apoptosis: Protective role of vitamin C

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO₂) could enhance the bioavailability and toxicity of coexisting organic contaminants in the aquatic environment. This study attempted to investigate the combined effects of n-TiO₂ and difenoconazole (DIF) on the neurodevelopment of zebrafish and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to n-TiO₂ (100 μg/L), DIF (0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L) and their mixtures from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and neurotoxicity was evaluated. Our results indicated that n-TiO₂ adsorbed DIF into the brain of zebrafish and significantly enhanced the bioaccumulation of DIF and n-TiO₂ in the 0.5 mg/L co-exposure group. 100 μg/L n-TiO₂ was not developmentally toxic to the zebrafish larvae, but it exacerbated DIF-induced neurobehavioral alterations in the zebrafish larvae. n-TiO₂ also aggravated DIF-induced suppression of central nervous system (CNS) neurogenesis in Tg (HuC:egfp) zebrafish, motor neuron axon length in Tg (hb9:egfp) zebrafish, and downregulation of neurodevelopmental genes (elavl3, ngn1, gap43, gfap and mbp). In addition, DIF elevated oxidative stress by accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, and triggered apoptosis by upregulation of p53, bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3, which were markedly intensified in the presence of n-TiO₂. Moreover, vitamin C (VC) ameliorated n-TiO₂/DIF-induced abnormal locomotor behaviors and neurotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, indicating that oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in n-TiO₂/DIF-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, our data indicated that n-TiO₂ enhanced the accumulation of DIF and heightened oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby inducing neurotoxicity. This study exemplifies the importance of the toxicity assessment of chemical mixtures and novel insights to mitigate their combined toxicity.

Proteomics Investigation of Diverse Serological Patterns in COVID-19

Serum antibodies IgM and IgG are elevated during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to defend against viral attacks. Atypical results such as negative and abnormally high antibody expression were frequently observed whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are elusive. In our cohort of 144 COVID-19 patients, 3.5% were both IgM and IgG negative, whereas 29.2% remained only IgM negative. The remaining patients exhibited positive IgM and IgG expression, with 9.3% of them exhibiting over 20-fold higher titers of IgM than the others at their plateau. IgG titers in all of them were significantly boosted after vaccination in the second year. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we classed the patients into four groups with diverse serological patterns and analyzed their 2-year clinical indicators. Additionally, we collected 111 serum samples for TMTpro-based longitudinal proteomic profiling and characterized 1494 proteins in total. We found that the continuously negative IgM and IgG expression during COVID-19 were associated with mild inflammatory reactions and high T cell responses. Low levels of serum IgD, inferior complement 1 activation of complement cascades, and insufficient cellular immune responses might collectively lead to compensatory serological responses, causing overexpression of IgM. Serum CD163 was positively correlated with antibody titers during seroconversion. This study suggests that patients with negative serology still developed cellular immunity for viral defense and that high titers of IgM might not be favorable to COVID-19 recovery.

The role of meteorological factors in suicide mortality in Wuhu, a humid city along the Yangtze River in Eastern China

As the climate continues to change, suicide is becoming more frequent. In this study, absolute humidity (AH) was included for the first time and Wuhu, a typical subtropical city along the Yangtze River, was taken as the research object to explore the impact of suicide death risk on meteorological factors. The daily meteorological factors and suicide mortality data of Wuhu city from 2014 to 2020 were collected. Guided by structural equation model (SEM), a time series analysis method combining distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and generalized additive model (GAM) was adopted. To investigate the correlation among different populations, we stratified age and gender at different meteorological levels. A total of 1259 suicide deaths were collected in Wuhu. The results indicated that exceedingly low and low levels of AH short-term exposure increased suicide mortality, with the maximum effect occurring at lag 14 for both levels of exposure, when the relative risk (RR) was 1.131 (95% CI: 1.030, 1.242) and 1.065 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.127), respectively. Exposure to exceedingly high and exceedingly low levels of temperature mean (T mean) also increased suicide mortality, with maximum RR values of 1.132 (lag 14, 95% CI: 1.015, 1.263) and 1.203 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.079, 1.340), sequentially. As for diurnal temperature range (DTR), low-level exposure decreased the risk of suicide, while high-level exposure increased this risk, with RR values of 0.955 (lag 0, 95% CI: 0.920, 0.991, minimum) and 1.060 (lag 0, 95% CI: 1.018, 1.104, maximum), sequentially. Stratified analysis showed that AH and DTR increased the suicide death risk in male and elderly people, while the risk effect of T mean have no effect on young people only. In summary, male and elderly people appear to be more vulnerable to adverse weather effects.

Exploration and preliminary clinical investigation of an adhesive approach for primary tooth restoration

The current study aims to investigate a suitable adhesive for primary tooth enamel. Shear bond strength (SBS) of primary teeth and the length of resin protrusion were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni multiple comparison tests after etching with 35% H ₃PO ₄. SBS and marginal microleakage tests were conducted with Single Bond Universal (SBU)/Single Bond 2 (SB2) adhesives with or without pre-etching using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Clinical investigations were performed to validate the adhesive for primary teeth restoration using Chi-square tests. Results showed that the SBS and length of resin protrusion increased significantly with the etching time. Teeth in the SBU with 35% H ₃PO ₄ pre-etching groups had higher bond strength and lower marginal microleakage than those in the SB2 groups. Mixed fractures were more common in the 35% H ₃PO ₄ etched 30 s + SB2/SBU groups. Clinical investigations showed significant differences between the two groups in cumulative retention rates at the 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up evaluations, as well as in marginal adaptation, discoloration, and secondary caries at the 12- and 18-month follow-up assessments. Together, pre-etching primary teeth enamel for 30 s before SBU treatment improved clinical composite resin restoration, which can provide a suitable approach for restoration of primary teeth.

IgG response to spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy individuals and potential of intravenous IgG as treatment for COVID-19

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is currently a worldwide pandemic. There are limited available treatments for severe COVID-19 patients. However, some evidence suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) provides clinical benefits for these patients.

Methods

We administered IVIg to 23 severe COVID-19 patients, and all of them survived. Four related coronaviruses can cause the common cold. We speculated that cross-reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 and other common coronaviruses might partially explain the clinical efficacy of IVIg therapy. Thus, we performed multiple alignment analysis of the spike (S), membrane (M), and nucleotide (N) proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and the common coronaviruses to identify conserved regions. Next, we synthesized 25 peptides that were conserved regions and tested their IVIg seropositivity.

Results

The results indicated four peptides had significant or nearly significant seropositivity, and all of them were associated with the S and M proteins. Examination of the immune responses of healthy volunteers to each synthetic peptide indicated high seropositivity to the two peptides from S protein. Blood samples from healthy individuals may have pre-existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgGs, and IVIg is a potentially effective therapy for severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blood samples from many healthy individuals have pre-existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgGs, and IVIg may be an effective therapy for severe COVID-19.

Relationship between meteorological factors and mortality from respiratory diseases in a subtropical humid region along the Yangtze River in China

As the health impacts of climate change take on a more serious form, this study for the first time investigates the effect of meteorological factors on the risk of death from respiratory diseases (RD) in Wuhu, a representative city along the Yangtze River in subtropical humid region. Daily meteorological element data and RD deaths in Wuhu City were collected from 2014 to 2020. Time series analysis was conducted using distributed lagged nonlinear model (DLNM) combined with generalized additive model (GAM), and stratified by age and gender. In 7 years, a total of 8016 RD death cases were collected in Wuhu, China. The results demonstrated that the maximum impacts of short-term exposure to exceedingly low temperatures mean (Tmean) were at lag 9, with the maximum relative risk (RR) of 1.044 (lag 1, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.098). The risk of exceedingly high Tmean reached its maximum at lag 0 (RR = 1.070, 95% CI: 1.018, 1.125). Low relative humidity (RH) was negatively associated with the risk of RD death, with the lowest RR values occurring at lag 12 (RR = 0.987, 95% CI: 0.975, 0.999). No significant correlation was found for diurnal temperature range (DTR). Stratified analysis showed that Tmean exposure remained statistically significant for male, female and elderly, while RH and DTR only seemed to increase the mortality risk in the young. In a word, short-term exposure to extreme temperatures may increase the RD mortality risk in the population, and young people needed to be aware that exposure to exceedingly high RH and DTR also increased the risk.

Peripheral Blood Microbiome Analysis via Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Reveals the Complexity of Circulating Microbial Cell-Free DNA

While circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is becoming a powerful marker for noninvasive identification of infectious pathogens in liquid biopsy specimens, a microbial cfDNA baseline in healthy individuals is urgently needed for the proper interpretation of microbial cfDNA sequencing results in clinical metagenomics. Because noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) shares many similarities with the sequencing protocol of metagenomics, we utilized the standard low-pass whole-genome-sequencing-based NIPT to establish a microbial cfDNA baseline in healthy people. Sequencing data from a total of 107,763 peripheral blood samples of healthy pregnant women undergoing NIPT screening were retrospectively collected and reanalyzed for microbiome DNA screening. It was found that more than 95% of exogenous cfDNA was from bacteria, 3% from eukaryotes, and 0.4% from viruses, indicating the gut/environment origins of many microorganisms. Overall and regional abundance patterns were well illustrated, with huge regional diversity and complexity, and unique interspecies and symbiotic relationships were observed for TORCH organisms (Toxoplasma gondii, others [Treponema pallidum {causing syphilis}, hepatitis B virus {HBV}, and human parvovirus B19 {HPV-B19}], rubella virus, cytomegalovirus [CMV], and herpes simplex virus [HSV]) and another common virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). To sum up, our study revealed the complexity of the baseline circulating microbial cfDNA and showed that microbial cfDNA sequencing results need to be interpreted in a more comprehensive manner. IMPORTANCE While circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been becoming a powerful marker for noninvasive identification of infectious pathogens in liquid biopsy specimens, a baseline for microbial cfDNA in healthy individuals is urgently needed for the proper interpretation of microbial cfDNA sequencing results in clinical metagenomics. Standard low-pass whole-genome-sequencing-based NIPT shares many similarities with the sequencing protocol for metagenomics and could provide a microbial cfDNA baseline in healthy people; thus, a reference cfDNA data set of the human microbiome was established with sequencing data from a total of 107,763 peripheral blood samples of healthy pregnant women undergoing NIPT screening. Our study revealed the complexity of circulating microbial cfDNA and indicated that microbial cfDNA sequencing results need to be interpreted in a more comprehensive manner, especially with regard to geographic patterns and coexistence networks.

Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates prenatal valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is reported to induce ASD in human and ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear.

METHODS

Pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA on E12.5 to construct the ASD rat model in offspring. The different expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA profiles in the hippocampus were determined by RNA sequencing to investigate potential mechanisms of VPA-induced ASD. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the function of dysregulated lncRNAs. Co-expression network and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were conducted to validate the potential regulatory lncRNA-mRNA network.

RESULTS

VPA increased the total distance, time spent in the central zone and self-grooming (open field test) in rats. Meanwhile, VPA induced social impairment (three-chamber sociability test) and repetitive behaviors (marble burying test). A total of 238 lncRNAs and 354 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the VPA group. In addition, the dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in neural function and developmental processes of ASD. 5 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were differently expressed and included in the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of 4 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs, and identified a potential regulatory network of NONRATT021475.2 (lncRNA) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Moreover, VPA decreased the serum vitamin A (VA) levels in offspring rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 and 49. Importantly, VA supplementation significantly restored VPA-induced autism-related behaviors and upregulation of NONRATT021475.2 and Dhh in the hippocampus of ASD rats.

CONCLUSION

This study not only contributed to understand the importance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the progression of ASD, but also identified VA as a potential therapy for the condition.

DATA AVAILABILITY

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author with reasonable request.

Expanding the application of non-invasive prenatal testing in the detection of foetal chromosomal copy number variations

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the detection efficiency and clinical application value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for foetal copy number variants (CNVs) in clinical samples from 39,002 prospective cases.

Methods

A total of 39,002 pregnant women who received NIPT by next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a sequencing depth of 6 M reads in our centre from January 2018 to April 2020 were enrolled. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was further used to diagnose suspected chromosomal aneuploidies and chromosomal microdeletion/microduplication for consistency assessment.

Results

A total of 473 pregnancies (1.213%) were positive for clinically significant foetal chromosome abnormalities by NIPT. This group comprised 99 trisomy 21 (T21, 0.254%), 30 trisomy 18 (T18, 0.077%), 25 trisomy 13 (T13, 0.064%), 155 sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA, 0.398%), 69 rare trisomy (0.177%), and 95 microdeletion/microduplication syndrome (MMS, 0.244%) cases. Based on follow-up tests, the positive predictive values (PPVs) for the T21, T18, T13, SCA, rare trisomy, and MMS cases were calculated to be 88.89%, 53.33%, 20.00%, 40.22%, 4.88%, and 49.02%, respectively. In addition, the PPVs of CNVs of < 5 Mb, 5–10 Mb, and > 10 Mb were 54.55%, 38.46%, and 40.00%, respectively. Among the 95 cases with suspected CNVs, 25 were diagnosed as true positive and 26 cases as false positive; follow-up prenatal diagnosis by CMA was not performed for 44 cases. Moreover, among the 25 true positive cases, 10 were pathogenic, 3 were likely pathogenic, and 12 were of uncertain significance.

Conclusion

NIPT is not only suitable for screening T21, T18, T13, and SCA but also has potential significance for CNV detection. As combined with ultrasound, extended NIPT is effective for screening MMS. However, NIPT should not be recommended for whole-chromosome aneuploidy screening.

Bioaccumulation of BDE47 in testes by TiO2 nanoparticles aggravates the reproductive impairment of male zebrafish by disrupting intercellular junctions

This study attempts to explore the potential impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO₂) on bioconcentration and reproductive impairments of male zebrafish in the presence of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), the congener of PBDEs predominant in environment and most abundant in biosamples. n-TiO₂ nanoparticles strongly adsorbed BDE47 to form BDE47/TiO₂ complex, which was taken up into the testes of zebrafish, and increased the tissue burdens of both BDE47 and n-TiO₂. Correspondingly, no observed toxic dose of n-TiO₂ (100 μg/L) was found to aggravate the abnormal histological morphology of the testes and the decrease in egg production, gonadosomatic index, sexual hormone levels and related gene expression in zebrafish in the presence of BDE47 at 5 or 50 μg/L. In addition, n-TiO₂ exacerbated the destruction resulting from the ultrastructural disassembly of intercellular connectivity of germ cells in zebrafish and the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance in TM4 cells induced by BDE47. Furthermore, n-TiO₂ enhanced BDE47 to initially activate p-JNK MAPK signaling pathway and subsequently triggered the downregulation of junction proteins (i.e., ZO-1, Connexin-43 and N-cadherin), leading to impaired cell-cell junctions in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrated that n-TiO₂ should act as a carrier to facilitate the accumulation of BDE47 in zebrafish testes and result in a synergistic effect on BDE47-induced adverse reproductive outcomes via disruption of intercellular connectivity of zebrafish testes. This study is beneficial in providing a scientific basis for improving the health risk assessment of environmental pollutants, particularly those that coexist with nanoparticle contamination in realistic environments.

Performance of non-invasive prenatal testing for foetal chromosomal abnormalities in 1048 twin pregnancies

Objective

To investigate the clinical value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in twin pregnancies and to provide further data on NIPT manifestations in twin pregnancies.

Materials and methods

In a 4-year period, 1048 women with twin pregnancies were voluntarily prospectively tested by NIPT to screen for chromosomal abnormalities by sequencing cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma. Positive NIPT results were confirmed by karyotyping, while negative results were followed up 42 days after delivery.

Results

Thirteen women had positive NIPT results as follows: 2 cases of trisomy 21 (T21), 1 of trisomy 18 (T18), 7 of sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA), 1 of microdeletion, and 2 of microduplication. Of these 13 cases, 2 were true-positive cases confirmed by foetal karyotype analysis, namely, 1 case of T21 and 1 of microdeletion. Furthermore, the remaining 11 high-risk pregnant women were confirmed as false positive by foetal karyotyping. Thus, the combined positive predictive value (PPV) of NIPT screening for chromosomal abnormalities in twin pregnancies was 15.4% (2/13). There were no false-negative case via our follow-up results.

Conclusion

Safe and rapid NIPT has a certain clinical application value; however, the PPV is limited, and the screening efficiency is not stable. Careful use should be made in the screening of chromosomal abnormalities in twin pregnancies.

Clinical application of noninvasive prenatal testing in the detection of fetal chromosomal diseases

Objective

To assess the detection efficiency of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal autosomal aneuploidy, sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA), other chromosome aneuploidy, copy number variation (CNV), and to provide further data for clinical application of NIPT.

Materials and methods

25,517 pregnant women who underwent NIPT testing in Anhui Province Maternity and Child Health Hospital from September 2019 to September 2020 were selected, and samples with high-risk test results were subjected to karyotype analysis for comparison by using amniotic fluid, with some samples subjected to further validation by chromosomal microarray analysis, and followed up for pregnancy outcome.

Results

A total of 25,517 pregnant women who received NIPT, 25,502 cases were tested successfully, and 294 high-risk samples (1.15%) were detected, there were 96 true positive samples, 117 false positive samples and 81 cases were refused further diagnosis. Samples with high risk of autosomal aneuploidy were detected in 71 cases (0.28%), and 51 cases were confirmed, including: trisomy 21 (T21) in 44 cases, trisomy 18 (T18) in 5 cases, and trisomy 13 (T13) in 2 cases; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 91.67%, 45.45%, and 33.33%, respectively, and the negative predictive value was 100%, the false positive rate (FPR) was 0.02%, 0.02%, and 0.02%, respectively.13 samples with high risk of mosaic trisomies 21, 18, and 13 were detected, and 1 case of T21mos was confirmed with a PPV of 8.33%. Samples with high risk of SCA were detected in 72 cases (0.28%), and the diagnosis was confirmed in 23 cases, with a PPV of 41.07% and a FPR of 0.13%. These included 3 cases of 45,X, 6 cases of 47,XXY, 8 cases of 47,XXX and 6 cases of 47,XYY, with PPVs of 12.00%, 50.00%, 72.73%, and 75.00%, respectively, and false-positive rates of 0.09%, 0.02%, 0.01% and 0.01% respectively. Samples with high risk of CNV were detected in 104 cases (0.41%) and confirmed in 18 cases, with a PPV of 32.14% and a FPR of 0.15%. Samples with high risk of other chromosomal aneuploidy were detected in 34 cases (0.13%), and the diagnosis was confirmed in 3 cases, which were T2, T9, and T16 respectively. The overall PPV for other chromosome aneuploidy was 12.50%, with a FPR of 0.08%.

Conclusion

NIPT is indicated for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 screening, especially for T21. It also has some certain reference value for SCA and CNV, but is not recommended for screening of other chromosomal aneuploidy.

The association between previous induced abortion and in vitro fertilization outcomes: A retrospective cohort study in Hefei, China

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between previous induced abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes among Chinese women.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1436 infertility patients treated with IVF for the first time in the reproductive centre of Anhui Province Maternity and Child Health Hospital from February 2014 to April 2018 were selected as the study population, and 95 (6.6 %) had a history of induced abortion. Data were assessed from the hospital electronic database and medical records in the reproductive centre.

RESULTS

In total, 818 women (57.0 %) achieved clinical pregnancy, and 501 (34.9 %) achieved live birth. After adjustments for a series of potential confounding factors, women with a history of induced abortion had a significantly decreased probability of clinical pregnancy per transfer (OR: 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.53, 0.95, p = 0.037) and live birth per pregnancy (OR: 0.52, 95 % CI: 0.30, 0.90, p = 0.021) and a higher risk of miscarriage per pregnancy (OR: 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.24, 2.88, p = 0.009) than those without. Because relevant information was unavailable, the impacts of different types of previous induced abortion were not assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous induced abortion may have an adverse effect on IVF outcomes among infertility patients.

Difenoconazole induces cardiovascular toxicity through oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Difenoconazole (DIF), a common broad-spectrum triazole fungicide, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms underlying this association. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to DIF (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/L) from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and cardiovascular toxicity was evaluated. Our results showed that DIF decreased hatching rate, survival rate and heart rate, with increased malformation rate. Cardiovascular deformities are the most prominent, including pericardial edema, abnormal cardiac structure and disrupted vascular pattern in two transgenic zebrafish models (myl7:egfp and fli1:egfp). DIF exacerbated oxidative stress by via accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme. Cardiovascular apoptosis was triggered through increased expression of p53, bcl-2, bax and caspase 9, while DIF suppressed the transcription of key genes involved in calcium signaling and cardiac muscle contraction. These adverse outcomes were restored by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), indicating that oxidative stress played a crucial role in DIF-induced cardiovascular toxicity caused by apoptosis and inhibition of cardiac muscle contraction. Taken together, this study revealed the key role of oxidative stress in DIF-induced cardiovascular toxicity and provided novel insights into strategies to mitigate its toxicity.

Tim-3 suppresses autoimmune hepatitis via the p38/MKP-1 pathway in Th17 cells

T‐cell immunoglobulin‐ and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3 (Tim‐3) mediates T‐cell suppression in various autoimmune diseases, such as chronic inflammatory liver disease. However, the regulatory effect of Tim‐3 on Th17 cells in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is incompletely understood. Here, we studied the expression and function of Tim‐3 in T cells in AIH patients and in a Con A (concanavalin A)‐induced mouse AIH model. We report that the frequency of CD4⁺Tim‐3⁺ T cells in peripheral blood samples of AIH patients was lower than that in the control group. The p38/MKP‐1 and p‐JNK pathways were activated, and the expression of interleukin‐17A protein was elevated in patients with AIH. Furthermore, the extent of pathological damage in the livers of mice with a blocked Tim‐3 signaling pathway (anti‐Tim‐3 group) was markedly increased and correlated with elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. In addition, the frequency of CD4⁺ IL‐17⁺ T (Th17) cells in the anti‐Tim‐3 group was increased, while that in mice with blocked p38 activity was decreased. Finally, the expression of MKP‐1 (p‐p38) gradually increased in the control, Con A, and anti‐Tim‐3 groups, but the levels of interleukin‐17A were decreased in the p38‐blocked group. In summary, our results suggest that Tim‐3 suppresses AIH by regulating Th17 cells through the p38/MKP‐1 pathway.

Noninvasive prenatal testing for assessing foetal sex chromosome aneuploidy: a retrospective study of 45,773 cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a screening test for sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) with different maternal characteristics and prenatal decisions in positive cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 45,773 singleton pregnancies with different characteristics that were subjected to NIPT in the Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Anhui Province. The results were validated by karyotyping. Clinical data, diagnostic results, and data on pregnancy outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

In total, 314 cases were SCA positive by NIPT; among those, 143 underwent invasive prenatal diagnostic testing, and 58 were true-positive. Overall, the PPVs for 45,X, 47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY were 12.5%, 51.72%, 66.67% and 83.33%, respectively. Interestingly, when only pregnant women of advanced maternal age (AMA) were screened, the PPVs for 45,X, 47,XXX, 47,XXY and 47,XYY were 23.81%, 53.33%, 78.95%, and 66.67%, respectively. The frequency of SCA was significantly higher in the AMA group than in the non-AMA group. The frequencies of 47,XXX and 47,XXY were significantly correlated with maternal age.

CONCLUSION

NIPT performed better in predicting sex chromosome trisomies than monosomy X, and patients with 45,X positive foetuses were more eager to terminate pregnancy than those with 47,XXX and 47,XYY. AMA may be a risk factor of having a foetus with SCA. Our findings may assist in genetic counselling of AMA pregnant women. Our pre- and posttest counselling are essential for familiarizing pregnant women with the benefits and limitations of NIPT, which may ease their anxiety and enable them to make informed choices for further diagnosis and pregnancy decisions.

[Application of in situ amniocyte culture for prenatal diagnosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of in situ amniocyte culture for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODS

2716 amniotic fluid samples were cultured in situ on slides. After the culture, the slides were stained, photographed and analyzed.

RESULTS

All samples were successfully analyzed, with the success rates for primary culture and subculture being 98.42% and 1.58%, respectively. 224 samples (8.25%) were detected with chromosomal aberrations, which included 125 cases with trisomy 21, 31 with trisomy 18, 3 with trisomy 13, 4 with 45,X, 17 with 47,XXY, 5 with 47,XYY, 1 with 48,XXY,+18, 1 with 48,XXYY, 26 with structural chromosomal aberrations, and 11 with mosaicisms for aneuploidies.

CONCLUSION

In situ amniocyte culture is stable and has a high success rate, and is capable of identifying true and false mosaicisms, which can improve the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis.

The Active Constituent From Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Prevents Liver Fibrosis Through Regulation of the TGF-β1/NDRG2/MAPK Axis

Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver damage constitutes a major health care burden worldwide; however, no antifibrogenic agents are currently available. Our previous study reported that the small molecule NPLC0393 extracted from the herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum exerts efficient antifibrotic effects both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, a TMT-based quantitative proteomic study using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was performed to identify the potential target of NPLC0393. Combining this study with bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed proteins between the CCl₄ model and NPLC0393 treatment groups, we focused on the function of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) involved in cell differentiation. In vitro studies showed that NPLC0393 prevented the TGF-β1 stimulation-induced decrease in the NDRG2 level in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Functional studies indicated that NDRG2 can inhibit the activation of HSCs by preventing the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Furthermore, knockdown of NDRG2 abolished the ability of NPLC0393 to inhibit HSC activation. In conclusion, these results provide information on the mechanism underlying the antifibrotic effect of NPLC0393 and shed new light on the potential therapeutic function of the TGF-β1/NDRG2/MAPK signaling axis in liver fibrosis.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Characterization of COVID-19 Patient Sera

Early detection and effective treatment of severe COVID-19 patients remain major challenges. Here, we performed proteomic and metabolomic profiling of sera from 46 COVID-19 and 53 control individuals. We then trained a machine learning model using proteomic and metabolomic measurements from a training cohort of 18 non-severe and 13 severe patients. The model was validated using 10 independent patients, 7 of which were correctly classified. Targeted proteomics and metabolomics assays were employed to further validate this molecular classifier in a second test cohort of 19 COVID-19 patients, leading to 16 correct assignments. We identified molecular changes in the sera of COVID-19 patients compared to other groups implicating dysregulation of macrophage, platelet degranulation, complement system pathways, and massive metabolic suppression. This study revealed characteristic protein and metabolite changes in the sera of severe COVID-19 patients, which might be used in selection of potential blood biomarkers for severity evaluation.

Rno-miR-224-5p contributes to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether-induced low triiodothyronine in rats by targeting deiodinases

Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with substantial adverse impacts on human health, and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), a kind of classic thyroid hormone disruptor, was speculated to be a potential environmental factor, but its effect on thyroxine metabolism has received little attention. In the present study, we investigated the role and mechanism of rno-miR-224-5p in deiodinase-mediated thyroxine metabolism in rats treated with 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), a predominant PBDE congener in humans. BDE47 decreased plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased reverse T3 (rT3) in the rats, and the expression of type 1 deiodinase (DIO1) and type 3 deiodinase (DIO3) increased in both the rats and H4-II-E cells. Rno-miR-224-5p was predicted to target dio1 instead of dio3, according to the TargetScan, miRmap.org and microRNA.org databases. Experiments showed that the rno-miR-224-5p level was decreased by BDE47 in a dose-dependent manner and confirmed that rno-miR-224-5p downregulated both DIO1 and DIO3 in the H4-II-E cells and in the rats, as determined using mimics and an inhibitor of rno-miR-224-5p. Furthermore, DIO1 was observed to be a direct functional target of rno-miR-224-5p, whereas DIO3 was indirectly regulated by rno-miR-224-5p via the phosphorylation of the MAPK/ERK (but not p38 or JNK) pathway. Reportedly, DIO1 and DIO3 act principally as inner-ring deiodinases and are responsible for the conversion of T4 to rT3, but not to T3, and the final clearance of thyroxine (mainly in the form of T2). Our results demonstrated that BDE47 induced low levels of T3 conversion through DIO1 and DIO3, which were regulated by rno-miR-224-5p. The findings suggest a novel additional mechanism of PBDE-induced thyroxine metabolism disorder that differs from that of PBDEs as environmental thyroid disruptors.

HBV DNA integrates into upregulated ZBTB20 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the integration sites of HBV DNA and the expression of the zinc finger protein, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 20 (ZBTB20) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Integration of the HBV gene was detected using a high-throughput sequencing technique based on the HBV-Alu-PCR method. The expression of ZBTB20 was detected by western blotting. HBVX integration sites were detected in ~70% of the HCC tissue samples. HBV-integrated subgene X detection suggested that 67% of the integrated specimens were inserted into the host X gene in a forward direction, 57% in a reverse direction, 24% in both forward and reverse directions, and 38% had two HBV integration sites. A total of 3,320 HBV integration sites were identified, including 1,397 in HCC tissues, 1,205 in paracancerous tissues and 718 in normal liver tissues. HBV integration fragments displayed enrichment in the 200–800 bp region. Additionally, the results suggested that HBV was highly integrated into transmembrane phosphatase with tensin homology, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA (LINC)00618, LOC101929241, ACTR3 pseudogene 5, LINC00999, LOC101928775, deleted in oesophageal cancer 1, LINC00824, EBF transcription factor 2 and ZBTB20 in tumour tissues. Furthermore, the expression of ZBTB20 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal control liver tissues, and was associated with HBV integration frequency. The present study suggested that HBV DNA integrated into upregulated ZBTB20 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which might promote the occurrence and development of HCC. Furthermore, the results of the present study may provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Clinical evaluation of a rapid colloidal gold immunochromatography assay for SARS-Cov-2 IgM/IgG

BACKGROUND

Since December 2019, there had been an outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. At present, diagnosis COVID-19 were based on real-time RT-PCR, which have to be performed in biosafe laboratory and is unsatisfactory for suspect case screening. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of the colloidal gold immunochromatography assay for SARS-Cov-2 specific IgM/IgG anti-body detection in suspected COVID-19 cases.

METHODS

In the prospective cohort, 150 patients with fever or respiratory symptoms were enrolled in Taizhou Public Health Medical Center, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang province, China, between January 20 to February 2, 2020. All patients were tested by the colloidal gold immunochromatography assay for COVID-19. At least two samples of each patient were collected for RT-PCR assay analysis, and the PCR results were performed as the reference standard of diagnosis. Meanwhile 26 heathy blood donor were recruited. The sensitivity and specificity of the immunochromatography assay test were evaluated. Subgroup analysis were performed with respect to age, sex, period from symptom onset and clinical severity.

RESULTS

The immunochromatography assay test had 69 positive result in the 97 PCR-positive cases, achieving sensitivity 71.1% [95% CI 0.609-0.797], and had 2 positive result in the 53 PCR-negative cases, achieving specificity 96.2% [95% CI 0.859-0.993]. In 26 healthy donor blood samples, the immunochromatography assay had 0 positive result. In subgroup analysis, the sensitivity was significantly higher in patients with symptoms more than 14 days 95.2% [95% CI 0.741-0.998] and patients with severe clinical condition 86.0% [95% CI 0.640-0.970].

CONCLUSIONS

The colloidal gold immunochromatography assay for SARS-Cov-2 specific IgM/IgG anti-body had 71.1% sensitivity and 96.2% specificity in this population, showing the potential for a useful rapid diagnosis test for COVID-19. Further investigations should be done to evaluate this assay in variety of clinical settings and populations.

Fenvalerate triggers Parkinson-like symptom during zebrafish development through initiation of autophagy and p38 MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway

Fenvalerate (FEN), one of the most used synthetic pyrethroids, has the potential to interfere with human neural function. However, far too little attention was paid to the mechanism of FEN-induced neurotoxicity. Thus we exposed zebrafish to FEN from 4 to 120 h post fertilization (hpf), and analyzed the morphology and behavior of zebrafish. Our results showed that FEN decreased the survival rate of zebrafish, with increased malformation rates and abnormal behaviors. Furthermore, we found typical parkinson-like symptoms in FEN-exposed zebrafish with increases in parkinson's disease (PD), ubiquitin, and Lewy bodies-relevant genes. We also observed the loss of dopaminergic neurons in both FEN-exposed zebrafish and PC12 cells, which were all associated with PD-like symptoms. Besides, FEN activated autophagy by the enhanced expressions of p-mTOR, and LC3-II but the reduction of p62. Further, FEN initially activated p-p38 MAPK followed by p-mTOR, which triggered the transcription of genes responsible for autophagy process and prompted the Lewy bodies neuron generation leading to the PD-like symptoms. This process was inhibited by both 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK selective inhibitor) in zebrafish and PC12 cells. These results suggest that FEN might cause parkinson-like symptom during zebrafish development through induction of autophagy and activation of p38 MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway. The study revealed the potential mechanism of FEN-induced neurotoxicity and should give new insights into a significant environmental risk factor of developing parkinson's disease.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate disrupts the blood brain barrier through the crosstalk between endothelial cells and astrocytes in mice

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a classic environmental pollutant, is reported to accumulate in brain and induce neurotoxicity. However, little is known the route and mechanism of its entrance in brain. In the present study, ICR mice were treated with PFOS for 28 days, the cerebral PFOS were measured and the morphological and ultrastructural changes of blood-brain barrier (BBB) were observed. Also, the expression and localization of the proteins related to the cerebral damages, tight junctions (TJs) and p38 activation were detected. Additionally, U87 cells were used to explore the role of p38 in PFOS-induced damages of astrocytes. PFOS significantly decreased the expression of TJ-related proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-5, Claudin-11, Occludin) in endothelial cells and disrupted BBB, which subsequently led PFOS to astrocytes and increased the expression of the proteins related to astrocytic damages (Aquaporin 4 and S100β). These results aggravated BBB disruption and further increased the cerebral PFOS levels. Besides, phosphorylated p38 activation was involved into PFOS-induced astrocytic damages in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the crosstalk between endothelial cells and astrocytes facilitated the BBB disruption and increased the accumulation of PFOS in brain. Our findings provided a new insight into the toxicological and physiological profiles of PFOS-induced neurotoxicity.

Both gut microbiota and cytokines act to atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested a role for the gut microbiome and cytokines in atherosclerosis development, but combined analyses of the changes of the gut microbiota and cytokines have not been explored previously.

METHODS

We treated ApoE-/- and wild-type mice with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The gut microbiome and cytokine composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and RayBio Quantibody Arrays, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to rationalize the potential mechanisms involved in the process of atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Gut bacterial characteristics in ApoE-/- mice were clearly separated and 21 gut bacterial clades were detected by the LEfSe analysis showing significant differences during the development of atherosclerosis. The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia showed significant positive correlations with serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Additionally, the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae was positive with the level of HDL and the abundance of Rikenellaceae showed a negative relationship with the level of TG and LDL. Thirteen differentially expressed proteins were identified with P-value < 0.05. CXCL5, FGF2, and E-Selectin were significantly negatively associated with Akkermansia and Verrucomicrobia. Additionally, CXCL5 was significantly negatively correlated with Bacteroides and Bacteroidaceae. Three "cellular component" subcategories, 24 ″molecular function" subcategories, 752 ″biological process" subcategories and 29 statistically remarkable KEGG pathway categories were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota changes of the mice having atherosclerosis and their relationship with the inflammatory status could be one of the major etiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis.

Isoliquiritigenin as an antioxidant phytochemical ameliorates the developmental anomalies of zebrafish induced by 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether

2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) is the most abundant PBDE congeners in biological samples. It has strong tendencies to bioaccumulate and potentially endangers development of mammals through oxidative stress. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), an emerging natural chalcone-type flavonoid, possesses various biological and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and estrogenic activities. The purpose of the study is to explore the antioxidant effect of ISL on the amelioration of developmental anomalies induced by BDE47. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to BDE47 (1 and 10 μM) and/or ISL (4 μM) for 4 to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf), and the morphology, development, behavior, oxidative stress status and related genes expression were assessed. The results showed that BDE47 contributed to dose-dependent growth retardation and deformities, including delayed hatching, spinal curvature, reduced body length, increased death rate, aberrant behaviors and impaired dark-adapted vision, which were significantly mitigated by ISL. Besides, ISL ameliorated excessive ROS accumulation, and exaggerated the expressions of apoptosis-related genes p53, Bcl-2, caspase 3 and caspase 9 induced by BDE47, suggesting that ISL protected zebrafish from the developmental toxicity of BDE47 by inactivation of programmed apoptosis and activation of antioxidant signaling pathways. Taken together, developing ISL as a dietary supplement might be a promising preventive strategy for the amelioration of developmental toxicity induced by environmental pollutants.

TGF-β1/p65/MAT2A pathway regulates liver fibrogenesis via intracellular SAM

Background

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays a pivotal role in fibrogenesis, while the complex downstream mediators of TGF-β1 in such process are largely unknown.

Methods

We performed pharmacoproteomic profiling of the mice liver tissues from control, carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced fibrosis and NPLC0393 administrated groups. The target gene MAT2A was overexpressed or knocked down in vivo by tail vein injection of AAV vectors. We examined NF-κB transcriptional activity on MAT2A promoter via luciferase assay. Intracellular SAM contents were analyzed by LC-MS method.

Findings

We found that methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) is significantly upregulated in the CCl₄-induced fibrosis mice, and application of NPLC0393, a known small molecule inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling pathway, inhibits the upregulation of MAT2A. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 induces phosphorylation of p65, i.e., activation of NF-κB, thereby promoting mRNA transcription and protein expression of MAT2A and reduces S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentration in HSCs. Consistently, in vivo and in vitro knockdown of MAT2A alleviates CCl₄- and TGF-β1-induced HSC activation, whereas in vivo overexpression of MAT2A facilitates hepatic fibrosis and abolishes therapeutic effect of NPLC0393.

Interpretation

This study identifies TGF-β1/p65/MAT2A pathway that is involved in the regulation of intracellular SAM concentration and liver fibrogenesis, suggesting that this pathway is a potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.

Fund

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81500469, 81573873, 81774196 and 31800693), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. Y15H030004), the National Key Research and Development Program from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (No. 2017YFC1700200) and the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 8153000502).

miRNA-548ah promotes the replication and expression of hepatitis B virus by targeting histone deacetylase 4

AIM

Many studies have shown that some microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and molecular mechanism of miRNA-548ah in the replication and expression of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

MAIN METHODS

Overexpression and knockdown of miRNA-548ah were performed in three hepatoma cell lines with HBV replication and in a murine HBV model injected with adenovirus HBV vector. The effect of miRNA-548ah on its target gene, histone deacetylase (HDAC) 4, were confirmed in in vitro studies and further investigated in liver tissues from CHB patients.

KEY FINDINGS

miRNA-548ah significantly increased the expression of HBV in hepatoma cell lines and in a HBV mouse model. The expression level of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the miRNA-548ah mimics group was significantly higher than the negative control group and significantly lower in the miRNA-548ah inhibitor group. The HBV core antigen promotes the expression of miRNA-548ah in hepatocytes. Finally, we observed a negative correlation between the expression of miRNA-548ah and HDAC4 in the liver tissue of patients with CHB.

SIGNIFICANCE

miRNA-548ah promoted the replication and expression of HBV through the regulation of the target gene, HDAC4. Inhibition of HDAC4 by miRNA-548ah might influence the deacetylation state of histones binding to cccDNA, thereby enhancing the replication of cccDNA. The HBV core antigen might increase the expression of miRNA-548ah. These results may provide new potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of CHB.

Comparative effects of mercury chloride and methylmercury exposure on early neurodevelopment in zebrafish larvae

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant with important public health implications. Hg causes neurotoxicity through astrocytes, Ca²⁺, neurotransmitters, mitochondrial damage, elevations of reactive oxygen species and post-translational modifications. However, the similarities and differences between the neurotoxic mechanisms caused by different chemical forms of Hg remain unclear. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to methylmercury (MeHgCl) or mercury chloride (HgCl₂) (0, 4, 40, 400 nM) up for 96 h. HgCl₂ exposure could significantly decrease survival rate, body length and eye size, delay the hatching period, induce tail bending and reduce the locomotor activity, and these effects were aggravated in the MeHgCl group. The compounds could increase the number of apoptotic cells in the brain and downregulate the expression of Shha, Ngn1 and Nrd, which contribute to early nervous development. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by metabolomics data. Galactose metabolism, tyrosine metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were disturbed after HgCl₂ or MeHgCl exposure. In addition, the levels of three neurotransmitters including tyrosine, dopamine and tryptophan were reduced after HgCl₂ or MeHgCl exposure. Oxidative stress is related to metabolite changes, such as changes in the putrescine, niacinamide and uric acid contents in the HgCl₂ group, and squalene in the MeHgCl group. These data indicated that downregulation of these genes and abnormal metabolic profile and pathways contribute to the neurotoxicity of HgCl₂ and MeHgCl.

The metabolomics and neurodevelopmental endpoints were integrated to reveal that abnormal metabolic pathway and expression of Shha, Ngn1 and Nrd may contribute to neurotoxicity induced by MeHg, which was more toxic than HgCl₂ in zebrafish larvae.

Fenvalerate induces oxidative hepatic lesions through an overload of intracellular calcium triggered by the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway

Fenvalerate (FEN), a mainstream pyrethroid pesticide, was initially recommended as a low-toxicity agent for controlling agricultural and domestic pests. Despite the widespread use of FEN worldwide, little data are available on FEN-induced hepatic lesions and molecular mechanisms. In the present study, we first performed an occupational cross-sectional study on FEN factory workers and found that the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total antioxidant capacity increased, whereas malondialdehyde decreased in laborers in the working areas where the levels of airborne FEN were much higher compared with the office area. The results were then confirmed by animal experiments that abnormal hepatic histology, increased ALT level, and compromised hepatic oxidative capability were observed in rats exposed to a high concentration of FEN. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis of gene microarray in rat liver tissue showed that FEN significantly changed the expressions of genes related to the regulation of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis and the calcium signal pathway. Finally, the functional experiments in Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells demonstrated that FEN first activated ERK MAPK, followed by IKK and NF-κB, which triggered the transcription of genes responsible for accelerating an overload of intracellular calcium ions, prompted reactive oxygen species generation in the mitochondria, and finally, induced hepatic cellular apoptosis. The calcium signaling pathway and in particular, an overload of intracellular calcium play a critical role in this pathophysiological process via the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Our study furthers the understanding of the mechanism of FEN-induced hepatic injuries and may have implications in the prevention and control of liver diseases induced by environmental pesticides.-Qiu, L.-L., Wang, C., Yao, S., Li, N., Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Xia, R., Zhu, J., Ji, M., Zhang, Z., Wang S.-L. Fenvalerate induces oxidative hepatic lesions through an overload of intracellular calcium triggered by the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway.

Integration of virtual screening and susceptibility test to discover active-site subpocket-specific biogenic inhibitors of Helicobacter pylori shikimate dehydrogenase

Shikimate dehydrogenase (HpSDH) (EC 1.1.1.25) is a key enzyme in the shikimate pathway of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reversible reduction of 3-dehydroshikimate to shikimate. Targeting HpSDH has been recognized as an attractive therapeutic strategy against H. pylori infection. Here, the catalytic active site in the crystal structure of HpSDH in complex with its substrate NADPH and product shikimate was examined in detail; the site can be divided into three spatially separated subpockets that separately correspond to the binding regions of shikimate, NADPH dihydronicotinamide moiety, and NADPH adenine moiety. Subsequently, a cascading protocol that integrated virtual screening and antibacterial test was performed against a biogenic compound library to identify biologically active, subpocket-specific inhibitors. Consequently, five, eight, and six promising compounds for, respectively, subpockets 1, 2, and 3 were selected from the top-100 docking-ranked hits, from which 11 compounds were determined to have high or moderate antibacterial potencies against two reference H. pylori strains, with MIC range between 8 and 93 μg/mL. It is found that the HpSDH active site prefers to accommodate amphipathic and polar inhibitors that consist of an aromatic core as well as a number of oxygen-rich polar/charged substituents such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. Subpockets 1- and 2-specific inhibitors exhibit a generally higher activity than subpocket 3-specific inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed an intense nonbonded network of hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking, and van der Waals contacts at the tightly packed complex interfaces of active-site subpockets with their cognate inhibitors, conferring strong stability and specificity to these complex systems. Binding energetic analysis demonstrated that the identified potent inhibitors can target their cognate subpockets with an effective selectivity over noncognate ones.

Butein activates p53 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via blocking MDM2-mediated ubiquitination

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of butein on p53 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the related molecular mechanisms by which p53 was activated.

Methods

MTS assay and clonogenic survival assay were used to examine the antitumor activity of butein in vitro. Reporter gene assay was adopted to evaluate p53 transcriptional activity. Flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to study apoptosis induction and protein expression respectively. Xenograft model was applied to determine the in vivo efficacy and the expression of p53 in tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

HCC cell proliferation and clonogenic survival were significantly inhibited after butein treatment. With the activation of cleaved-PARP and capsase-3, butein induced apoptosis in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. The transcriptional activity of p53 was substantially promoted by butein, and the expression of p53-targeted gene was increased accordingly. Mechanism studies demonstrated that the interaction between MDM2 and p53 was blocked by butein and MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination was substantially decreased. Short-hairpin RNA experiment results showed that the sensitivity of HCC cells to butein was substantially impaired after p53 was knocked down and butein-induced apoptosis was dramatically decreased. In vivo experiments validated substantial antitumor efficacy of butein against HepG2 xenograft growth, and the expression of p53 in butein-treated tumor tissue was significantly increased.

Conclusion

Butein demonstrated potent antitumor activities in HCC by activating p53, and butein or its analogs had therapeutic potential for HCC management.

Discovery of a Potential Plasma Protein Biomarker Panel for Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Induced by Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF), characterized by an acute deterioration of liver function in the patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), is lack of predicting biomarkers for prognosis. Plasma is an ideal sample for biomarker discovery due to inexpensive and minimally invasive sampling and good reproducibility. In this study, immuno-depletion of high-abundance plasma proteins followed by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach was employed to analyze plasma samples from 20 healthy control people, 20 CHB patients and 20 HBV-ACLF patients, respectively. As a result, a total of 427 proteins were identified from these samples, and 42 proteins were differentially expressed in HBV-ACLF patients as compared to both CHB patients and healthy controls. According to bioinformatics analysis results, 6 proteins related to immune response (MMR), inflammatory response (OPN, HPX), blood coagulation (ATIII) and lipid metabolism (APO-CII, GP73) were selected as biomarker candidates. Further ELISA analysis confirmed the significant up-regulation of GP73, MMR, OPN and down-regulation of ATIII, HPX, APO-CII in HBV-ACLF plasma samples (p < 0.01). Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed high diagnostic value of these candidates in assessing HBV-ACLF. In conclusion, present quantitative proteomic study identified 6 novel HBV-ACLF biomarker candidates and might provide fundamental information for development of HBV-ACLF biomarker.

[Clinical features and advanced progress of secondary BPPV]

BPPV is a disease provoked by abrupt head movements, results in short paroxysmal vertigo or nystagmus. These patients often can accurately describe the dizziness happened when they head move suddenly, especially when looking upward, turning over in bed, lying down, or bending over. BPPV is divided into idiopathic BPPV and secondary BPPV, in most cases. The underlying cause cannot be determined, which is called idiopathic; however, in 30% patients, BPPV may be attributed to a specific cause and is termed secondary BPPV. We reviewed the pathogenesis, mechanisms, clinical features, treatment and the latest progress of secondary BPPV.

Performance assessment of the SAPS II and SOFA scoring systems in Hanta virus Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), caused by the hantavirus, is a natural infectious disease characterized by fever, hemorrhage and renal damage. China is the most severely endemic area for HFRS in the world. In recent years, critical scoring systems based on quantitative classification have become an important clinical tool for predicting and evaluating the prognosis of critical illness, and provide guidelines for clinical practice.

METHODS

The sample comprised 384 patients with HFRS treated in the Taizhou Hospital from January 2006 to February 2017. The patients were divided into the severe group and the mild group according to their clinical characteristics. By comparing the differences in clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory data between the two groups, the clinically relevant indicators of severe HFRS were explored. According to the previous studies, we incorporated the positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) into the sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) tool and formulated a new scoring system specifically for HFRS, named H-SOFA. By comparing the simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), SOFA and H-SOFA scores of the two groups, their predictive values for the progression of HFRS were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared to the mild group, patients in the severe group had longer hospital stays; higher frequencies of nausea, vomiting, abdomen pain, signs of congestion and hemorrhage; and more pronounced impairment of liver and renal function. The levels of PLT, PCT, TB, and FOBT were positively correlated with the progression of HFRS (P<0.001). Patients with HFRS in the severe group got significantly higher scores on the SAPS II, SOFA, and H-SOFA scoring systems (P<0.001). The values of SAPS II, SOFA and H-SOFA, were significantly correlated with the severity of HFRS, and the AUC values were 0.90, 0.96, and 0.98, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PLT, PCT, TB, and FOBT were independent predictors of severe HFRS; SAPS II, SOFA, and H-SOFA had high predictive value for the progression of severe HFRS, with H-SOFA being the highest.

Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Mutation in the PITX3 Gene, Causing Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataracts in a Chinese Family

BACKGROUND

Congenital cataract is the cloudiness of the eye's natural lens and is a primary cause of congenital vision loss. It accounts for almost 10% of childhood vision loss worldwide.

METHODS

A four generation Chinese family having seven affected individuals was recruited for the current study. Exome sequencing was performed to identify the genetic cause of congenital cataract.

RESULTS

Analysis of data identified a novel frameshift mutation, c.608delC (p.A203fs), in the PITX3 gene. This mutation was only observed in the affected individuals while the unaffected members of the family as well as 100 ethnically matched normal controls did not contain this deletion.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that p.A203fs is the cause of cataracts in the recruited family. This information would be further helpful in the genetic diagnosis of cataract and in the genetic counseling of similar patients.